hotmtlnovel Page 24
Page 24
“Mr. Lu, Jiahe, I think we can have a good talk.” Xu Li’s voice was deep and penetrating.
Peng Jiahe looked at Xu Li curiously and replied cheerfully, "Okay, Sister Xu, I think you're very interesting!"
Lu Yuan's expression turned serious. He frowned and muttered to himself, "What's going on? Did Gan Jing invite me here just for this woman? To go on a blind date?"
Seeing Lu Yuan's refusal to communicate, Xu Li felt a little helpless. She turned to Peng Jiahe and said with a smile, "Jiahe, you seem to be in a good mood!"
Peng Jiahe nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement: "Yes, Sister Xu Li, I've encountered so many interesting things lately!"
Xu Li asked with great interest, "Oh? Tell me about it quickly."
Peng Jiahe began to recount her story with great enthusiasm, her expressions vivid and her gestures expressive, as if she were bringing her experiences to life before Xu Li. Xu Li listened attentively, occasionally offering appropriate responses to Peng Jiahe and revealing a knowing smile.
Lu Yuan sat to the side, his face growing increasingly grim. He recalled the time when he was abroad, when he was an alcoholic and Peng Hai had taken him to see a psychologist. Thinking of Su Chang's comment about her mental health issues that day, his heart filled with anxiety. However, because Peng Jiahe was still there, he suppressed his rage for the time being to avoid affecting her mood.
When they had finished chatting, Xu Li gave Gan Jing a wink. Gan Jing understood and smiled at Peng Jiahe, saying, "Jiahe, come with me to the restroom."
"Okay! Aunt Gan Jing."
Peng Jiahe readily agreed and got up to leave with Gan Jing.
Lu Yuan watched their departing figures, his face terribly gloomy. He silently lowered his head, his hands clenched into fists, his volatile emotions almost out of control.
Xu Li continued, "Mr. Lu, I understand how you feel right now, but sometimes we need to face our own hearts."
Lu Yuan's face grew increasingly gloomy. He gritted his teeth, suppressing his anger: "I know you're a psychologist, but I don't need one. Don't bother me!"
Xu Li was not intimidated by Lu Yuan's attitude. She kept staring intently at Lu Yuan, her eyes revealing determination and professionalism.
“Mr. Lu, you won’t solve the problem by running away like this.” Xu Li’s tone was tinged with reproach.
Lu Yuan finally couldn't hold back any longer. He stood up abruptly, pointed at Xu Li, and shouted, "I said I don't need it! Get out!"
Xu Li's expression remained calm, but a hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes.
Lu Yuan's chest heaved violently. He turned and walked to the window, his back to Xu Li.
After a moment of silence, Xu Li sighed softly, "Lu Yuan, I know you've been through a lot, but closing your heart won't truly free you. If you'd like, you can talk to me anytime." With that, she packed her things and slowly left the room, knowing that today couldn't go on.
As the door slammed shut, Lu Yuan felt as if he had lost his footing. He slid down the wall and sat on the floor, covering his face with his hands. Tears streamed down his face through his fingers, but he still covered his mouth to keep himself from making a sound.
Not long after, Gan Jing led Peng Jiahe back to the private room and found that only Lu Yuan was sitting there casually drinking tea, his eyes red.
Seeing that Xu Li was not there, Peng Jiahe asked Lu Yuan curiously, "Lu Yuan, where did Sister Xu Li go?"
Lu Yuan replied expressionlessly, "She had something to do and left first."
Peng Jiahe didn't think much of it, but Gan Jing had just received a message from Xu Li and knew what had happened in the private room. He frowned, looked at Lu Yuan with concern, and hesitated to speak.
Lu Yuan noticed Gan Jing's expression and said impatiently, "Just say what you want to say."
Gan Jing hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Lu Yuan, this can't go on forever."
Lu Yuan slammed down his teacup, stood up, and glared at them angrily: "Alright, I'll figure it out myself. I don't need your help for now!"
Gan Jing sighed helplessly, while Peng Jiahe stood by, terrified and at a loss for what to do.
A hint of pain and struggle flashed in Lu Yuan's eyes, and his voice trembled slightly: "None of you should worry about me!"
After saying that, he turned around, slammed the door of the private room shut, and left.
Gan Jing and Peng Jiahe looked at each other, a hint of hesitation in Gan Jing's eyes. She wanted to chase after Lu Yuan, but seeing Peng Jiahe who was clearly frightened, she bit her lip and sat down instead. She gently patted Peng Jiahe's shoulder and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, I'm here."
After Su Chang finished cooking, he was about to ask Xiao Cai to serve the food to the private room. As soon as he stepped out of the kitchen, he saw Lu Yuan walking angrily towards the restaurant exit, his expression as if he wanted to devour someone.
Su Chang sighed inwardly; he had, of course, guessed what had just happened. He didn't want to get involved, but thinking of the poor little girl Peng Jiahe, he sent Xiao Cai to serve the dishes while he stopped Lu Yuan.
"What do you want to do?" Su Chang frowned, crossing her arms.
"What's it to you? Who do you think you are?" Lu Yuan glared and roared.
"Calm down!" Su Chang was getting impatient. "You're going to scare Jiahe!"
Lu Yuan wouldn't listen to a word. He lunged forward, trying to break free from Su Chang's obstruction and continue walking out. Su Chang dodged to the side, grabbed Lu Yuan's arm, twisted it forcefully, and pinned him against the wall.
"Ah! Let me go!" Lu Yuan cried out in pain.
"I told you to calm down!" Su Chang snapped. "If you keep this up, I won't be so polite!"
Even after being subdued, Lu Yuan continued to yell, so Su Chang, while hitting him, shouted at him, "Shut up! You better behave!"
This also attracted the attention of the three people inside the private room. Seeing this, Gan Jing rushed over and shouted, "Su Chang, stop fighting!"
Peng Jiahe hid at the door of the private room, looking timidly at Lu Yuan.
Su Chang released his grip, and Lu Yuan, panting heavily, glared fiercely at Su Chang.
"Snapped!"
Gan Jing slapped Lu Yuan across the face, his eyes filled with disappointment.
"What exactly do you want?"
Chapter 50 Gan Jing's Outburst
Gan Jing raised his hand high again and then landed hard on Lu Yuan's face.
"Slap!" The crisp sound of a slap echoed in the air.
Lu Yuan staggered from the blow, his eyes wide with disbelief. He could understand the first slap, but why was he being slapped again?
Xiao Cai and Peng Jiahe were also startled. Xiao Cai's mouth was wide open, her face full of astonishment. Peng Jiahe bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with fear and helplessness. This Gan Jing was so unfamiliar to her. Was this still the same gentle and kind-hearted aunt who spoke so softly?
Su Chang's expression was complex, a hint of understanding and sympathy flashing in his eyes. He knew Gan Jing slapped him because she was too angry. After all, Lu Yuan had been her only support since childhood, and the first time he had left her alone abroad, if it weren't for Jiang Haokun's company, she probably would have either gone crazy or become a prostitute. And now Lu Yuan didn't even consider Peng Jiahe's feelings, how could she not be angry? He was treating Peng Jiahe as if she were the same helpless person she was back then abroad.
Gan Jing's chest heaved violently, and her eyes burned with rage.
"Lu Yuan, what exactly do you want? Do you know that you've become Jiahe's only support? Is this how you take care of her? Do you even know what responsibility is?" Gan Jing's voice was choked with sobs.
A look of guilt and regret appeared on Lu Yuan's face. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know how to start.
Tears welled up in Gan Jing's eyes. She gritted her teeth and continued, "Peng Hai entrusted Jiahe to you hoping you would take good care of her, but what have you done? Look at what you've done!"
Su Chang silently cheered for Gan Jing in his heart. He felt that Gan Jing needed to vent like this in order to release the grievances and anger in her heart and to alleviate her condition.
Lu Yuan lowered his head, his hands clenched into fists, his heart filled with self-blame and regret.
"Gan Jing, I know I was wrong. I will take good care of Jiahe from now on and I will never let her suffer again." Lu Yuan's voice was deep and firm.
Gan Jing looked at Lu Yuan, the anger in his eyes gradually subsiding, replaced by a hint of expectation and hope.
"I hope you keep your word and don't disappoint me again." Gan Jing's voice was a little hoarse.
Lu Yuan nodded, his eyes filled with determination.
Looking at Gan Jing and Lu Yuan, Peng Jiahe felt touched and warmed.
Peng Jiahe stepped forward and took Gan Jing's hand: "Aunt Gan Jing, don't be angry. I believe Lu Yuan will take good care of me in the future."
Looking at the sensible Peng Jiahe, Gan Jing felt a pang of tenderness in her heart. She patted Peng Jiahe's head and said, "Good girl, Jiahe. If he does this again, tell me and I'll discipline him."
"Okay, Aunt Gan Jing." Peng Jiahe leaned on Gan Jing's shoulder, her expression full of affection.
Su Chang smiled and walked over at the right moment, saying to the three of them, "The food is ready. Let's go eat first, otherwise it won't taste good if it gets cold."
Gan Jing's emotions had stabilized somewhat. She nodded slightly, but her gaze never fell on Lu Yuan. Instead, she pulled Peng Jiahe along and headed straight for the private room. Peng Jiahe glanced back at Lu Yuan, a hint of worry in her eyes.
Su Chang gently patted Lu Yuan's shoulder, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something to comfort him, but in the end he just sighed helplessly, turned around and went back to the front desk. After all, this bull terrier was really both pitiful and hateful, and he didn't know what to say.
Lu Yuan stood there blankly, his eyes filled with confusion and inner turmoil. His hands clenched and unclenched unconsciously, unsure whether to go back into the private room or continue leaving.
Just then, Peng Jiahe stood at the door of the private room and shouted loudly, "Lu Yuan, what are you standing there for? Aunt Gan Jing wants you to come in and eat!"
Lu Yuan slowly raised his head, looked at Peng Jiahe, a bitter smile on his face, and then slowly walked towards the private room.
Watching Lu Yuan's retreating figure, Su Chang shook her head helplessly and muttered to herself, "When will this guy ever let go of his pathetic pride..."
After the farce ended, the old man from yesterday noon walked into the restaurant with two other old men. As soon as he entered, he greeted Su Chang with a big smile: "Hey, Su, we meet again!"
Su Chang quickly went up to him and replied with a smile, "Oh, sir, you're here again today! Please have a seat."
The old man glanced at the whiteboard and saw that there were still four tables left today. He asked, "Little Su, are there any private rooms left? I'd like to treat two old friends to a meal today."
Su Chang replied warmly, "Yes, yes, sir, this way please." He then asked Xiao Cai to make tea, and personally led the three elders to the private room next to Gan Jing's.
After the old man sat down, he said with great interest, "Today I must order a few main dishes: steamed Wuchang fish, Longjing shrimp, Dongpo pork, and boiled cabbage in clear broth."
Su Chang smiled and replied, "Sir, I can make all these dishes, but it might take a while and we need to prepare a lot of ingredients. If I go to prepare them now, we probably won't be able to eat them until tonight. How about you place your order first, and I'll prepare them in advance so you can come and eat them another day?"
·· ··Requesting flowers··· ········
The old man thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, then let's make a reservation for Saturday. By the way, could you recommend a few more dishes for me today?"
After a moment's thought, Su Chang considered the dishes he had prepared for the day and recommended, "Kung Pao Chicken, Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce, Mapo Tofu, and Dongpo Pork. What do you think? They are representative dishes of Sichuan and Hunan cuisine served at state banquets."
The old man's eyes lit up, and he said with a smile, "Great, great, these four dishes will do!" The other two old men also nodded in agreement.
Su Chang glanced at the three old men, knowing they were all wealthy gourmands. He smiled and said, "Alright, gentlemen, please wait a moment. I'll go to the kitchen to make the arrangements." With that, he turned and left the private room to get busy in the kitchen.
Soon, the dishes were served one after another. The three old men enjoyed the food while chatting.
..... .. ...
"This restaurant is really good, better than any other place we've been to before," one of the old men exclaimed.
"Yes, especially this Kung Pao Chicken. The chicken is tender and juicy, the peanuts are crunchy, and the sauce is just right. It's a really good dish," another old man chimed in.
"And this shredded pork with garlic sauce is perfectly balanced in terms of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors, creating a rich and unforgettable taste." The old man from yesterday noon also praised it highly.
Su Chang overheard the three old men's comments from outside the door and was secretly pleased. He knew that gaining the approval of these gourmands was no easy feat, and with their recommendation, his business was sure to thrive.
Just then, one of the old men seemed to remember something and suddenly asked, "Little Su, do you have any special wines here?"
Su Chang immediately replied, "Yes, sir, we have a type of rice wine brewed by a friend. It has a mellow taste and a rich aroma, and it's very popular with our customers."
"Oh? Then bring me a pot to try," the old man ordered.
“Okay, please wait a moment. But we’re all packaged in jars, and we’re worried about the flavor fading. I’ll bring over a small jar for you to try,” Su Chang quickly explained.
“Alright, then let’s have a small jar.” The old man nodded in agreement.
Su Chang hurriedly fetched a small jar of yellow wine brewed by Shi Tiandong himself and filled the three old men's cups. The three old men took a sip and all showed satisfied smiles.
"Hmm, this wine is indeed very good. It's smooth and easy to drink. Excellent, excellent!" An old man gave a thumbs up.
Seeing that the elderly men didn't need any more service, Su Chang didn't linger any longer. After saying goodbye to the three old men, he returned to the front desk.